I was receiving a call from my dad. the first one since arriving here at Beacon. Getting up I left the room and went outside so as not to disturb my teammates. Showing the scroll call I wave them off letting them know. Closing my door behind me I answered it.
"Dad. Why are you calling so late." answering the scroll call I continued down the hall. A specific destination in mind.
"Jaune, its good to hear from you. Even if you don't sound very happy about it." I heard my father say.
"Sigh, it's just, I actually expected you to call earlier to congratulate me on getting in you know. And every time I called home there was no answer." releasing another sigh I left the building heading towards the statue.
"Now son you must realize how busy we are. This is actually the first time we've been home in months. But that can come later. I called for another reason." his tone becoming really serious. Finally making it to the statue I just look at it, having some clue as to whats coming.
"I believe this has something to do with my combat scores. Is that it?" slightly dreading the answer I sat down on the bench.
"It is. Ozpin sent your test scores home along with some videos of your fights. While the scores in your other classes are passable I just have to question why you have no wins in combat class. Of course looking at those videos I can easily tell why." my father replied.
The silence just hung there for a while, just a pause in the conversation. I released yet another sigh, but before I could reply he spoke up again.
"Tell me, son, why do you fight with that weapon? You know you are so much stronger without it. Why not just fight as you are?" He spoke with a voice of melancholy.
"I grew up on tales of heroism, grand stories of our ancestors fighting wars and slaying Grimm. You know that you told me them. In all of the stories they all used Crocea Mors." with tears now streaming down my face and my voice slightly shaky I continued. "I want to be a hero, dad. Just like all of my ancestors before me. Like your dad. Every single one of you that have used this weapon had paved your own way to greatness. As the next Arc heir, it's my turn to do the same." wiping the tears I just sat there waiting for my fathers reply.
I sat there for minutes just waiting for any sign he was still there. My tears have stopped now. My emotions have run out and leaving me with slight dread as to where he was leading this. Eventually, I heard a sigh from the other line. Time to see where this leads.
"Son, no, Jaune. You know you cant use Crocea Mors. It didn't select you as the next heir. Heck, none of your children were. No matter how much you train with it it will never be your weapon to use. You can try all you want but if it doesn't choose you. You will never be able to use it to its full potential. As it is now it's only holding you back." having finished what he was saying I could only pause. Fully processing and understanding what he said. I just couldn't form anything to say back.
There was a pause once again. Only this one was worse. The dread I was feeling only cementing itself. Like someone put chains and weights on me. I knew this of course. Oh, I knew this. But I thought all it was gonna take is some hard work. That it will all work out in time. I was wrong.
"Son, I'm sorry but I have to say this. I already spoke with Ozpin. Glynda's complaints about your combat scores are bringing to question your transcripts. I made a deal. I'm telling you now. Tomorrow you will be having a two versus one battle, and if you do not win it you will be kicked out of the academy." hearing what he just said left me feeling numb. My breathing quickened.
My dream cant end like this. I still have so much to learn, so much I need to do. I started to hyperventilate. Apparently, my father heard it because he continued. And what he said snapped me right out of it.
"JAUNE! Now listen to me, you know as well as I do that this isn't the end of things. We may have needed to forge those transcripts to get you in, but you know you belong there. You are strong enough. You just need to stop hiding who you are. Tell me, son, are you ashamed of it." his voice started to quiet down at the end, trailing off.
What was he implying? Why would I be ashamed? I have nothing to be ashamed of. Oh, wait. He watched my fights. which means he saw me. But I'm not, am I? Am I? No, of course I'm not. Its just...just what? I don't know. I honestly don't know.
"I...I'm not sure. I don't think I am. But I don't want them finding out. I-" but before I could continue he cut me off.
"Listen closely. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of son. I know why you would do it. Believe me I do. But you know none of us think any differently and love you just the same. But you need to win tomorrow and that's not gonna happen with that old sword and shield. You need to show them you're strength." he finished off.
Now if that isn't a harrowing thought. Doing that would show everyone who I truly am. I honestly don't know how they'll handle it. After everything we've been through I know it'll be fine. So why am I hesitating? But it's the only way for me to win. I know I cant win otherwise. Honestly, I should be mad at him for making that deal without me. But if they investigated my transcripts I would get kicked out anyway.
I slouched back and released yet another sigh, however moments later I sat back up. Eyes determined.
"Okay. I'll do it. I'll fight all out. For me to protect everyone, to be a hero, I need to graduate." I balled and balled my fist. "But I don't have my gear with me. I didn't think I would need it." He released a chuckle before responding.
"Nothing to worry about son. I'm having one of your sisters deliver it right now. She should get there in the morning. I let Ozpin know she's coming as well. She'll be recording and watching the fight as well. Anyway, I've said what I needed to but I need to go. I look forward to seeing the fight son. Anyway good luck. Oh, and your mother says that you need to call more often." Is it that time already.
"Thank you, dad. And don't worry I'll do my best. Let Mom know I'll be calling soon. Goodbye, Dad. good luck on your next mission." I responded chuckling.
"Goodnight to you to Jaune." With that, the scroll call ended.
Checking the time I saw that it was a little after 11. Sending a quick message to my team to let them know I pocketed my scroll and decided to walk around the grounds a bit.
I loved the night breeze, it was autumn so it wasn't too hot, nor too cold. It was just right. My thoughts drifting to whats happening tomorrow. All my friends will know. Knowing them it shouldn't matter. But there's this small bubble. Just sitting there. the thought that they would.
Shaking my head along with that thought I began heading back. They wouldn't care. We'll be the same as always. I've known them long enough to know they won't care.
Entering the building the negative thoughts were gone. And even with the fight in my mind, I wasn't worried. Honestly if I am gonna do this there's no need to be. I know I'm strong enough.
Using my scroll to unlock my door I opened it and saw my team asleep. Well, looks like they're learning about it tomorrow like everyone else. But I'm fine with that.
Trying to be as quiet as possible I changed and got ready for bed. Tomorrow is gonna be a big day and will change some things. Hopefully for the better.
Others might not be as receptive but honestly, they don't matter. Only my friends do. And as long as they don't mind I'm fine with it.
Laying down fully I closed my eyes and went to sleep. The fight and any worries slowly drifting away along with my consciousness.
First chapter and I have to say. God my writing sucks. I don't even know how I'm writing it